LLANISHEN HIGH SCHOOL GOVERNORS' ANNUAL SUMMARY REPORT TO PARENTS 2012

We are pleased to present this summary of the Well done to our Students in 2012 Governors’ Annual Report. The full report is available on the Governors' page of the school Congratulations to students and staff for all that they website or a hard copy can be requested from the achieved in the 2012 assessment and examination school. There is no longer a Welsh Government outcomes. requirement to hold a fixed meeting with parents. However, a meeting may be held if one is requested by 5% of parents. Key Stage 3 Year 9

% of pupils achieving Level 5+ Educational Values School LA Wales

English 82 76 76 The key educational goals of the school were set Mathematics 88 79 78 in 2005. Science 90 80 80 Core Subject Indicator 78 70 68 Under the banner headline of: The “All Wales Core Data Set” compares our “We believe that all can succeed” performance with ten other secondary schools across Wales whose context is closest to our own. We were We at aim to: above the family average on all of these measures, despite being the second “most challenged” of these Act in the belief that all can succeed schools.

Be an inclusive school, offering suitable learning Key Stage 4 Year 11 opportunities for all % of pupils achieving School LA Wales Create a commitment to learning as a lifelong Level 2 threshold 74 67 71 activity L2 inc Eng & Maths 60 49 50 Level 1 threshold 98 91 91 Develop each pupil individually and value their achievements and progress The Level 2 threshold is 5 or more passes at GCSE grade C and above, (or equivalent). Our level 2 Encourage respect, treating each other with dignity outcomes were our 2nd best ever, but down on the high and courtesy. of 80% in 2011, The Level 1 threshold represents the same the same at grade G and above (or equivalent) and was our best ever. The school is an English medium school. In 2011-12 the number of pupils on roll was 1638 A2 (A Level) Year 13 compared with 1636 in 2010-2011. Pass rate A* - E 98% Pass rate A* - A 44% including Welsh Baccalaureate, 25% without it.

The great majority of Year 13 completed the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification alongside their A levels. The A2 results were in line with recent years.

Key Points from the full Report  Following the positive re-inspection in June 2010, and a successful whole School Review by the local authority in June 2011, the school monitored and evaluated its own performance during 2011-12, completing the second year of a cycle of departmental reviews and preparations for updating and rewriting the School’s Self-Evaluation report.  The number of primary feeder schools increased from 6 to 7 as the school welcomed pupils from the area into Years 7 and 8 as well as significant numbers into other year groups. A small number of the current Llanedeyrn High School Year 9 pupils will join Year 10 in September 2013, when that year group is discontinued at Llanedeyrn. .  The investment in the school's buildings linked to expansion of the catchment area is progressing, with work on the extension and refurbishment of the Learning Resource Centre (library), rebuilding of the Sports Hall and the building of a new block for Design Technology. All of these are scheduled to be completed in 2012-13. Further improvements will follow in 2013-14.  The school continues to develop its curriculum so as to include and meet the learning needs of all students. Following the introduction of the Welsh Baccalaureate and the Year 7 transition project the school is planning some slight changes to the KS3 curriculum and changes to increase the flexibility of learning pathways in Years 10 and 11. These changes will be introduced in 2013-14.  2011-12 was the first year in which the school had its own in-house Attendance Officer. This has helped efforts to maximise pupil attendance and builds on previous measures to improve communication with parents such as the expansion of the Pupil Support team, parental access to E-Portal allowing parents protected on-line access to data about their sons and daughters, and the establishment of a Parent Focus group. Parental feedback indicates communication with parents is a very positive feature of the school.  We have continued to make significant improvements to the school environment which are making a noticeable difference to the quality of the learning environment. The PE changing rooms were refurbished in 2010, the East wing hall and tower in 2011 and the “new” block for Geography and RE in 2012. Also in 2012 a new picnic area was been provided for pupils as a result of an initiative by the School Council, supported by the PTA.  The Welsh Government's scheme for banding secondary schools came into operation in late 2011. The school was placed in band 2 (band 1 is the highest). However it will be difficult to maintain this in the 2012 exercise because the model builds in a year on year progress weighting. The level 2 threshold, (5 GCSEs or equivalent at or above grade C) at 74% whilst the second best the school has every achieved was down from our achievement of 80% in 2011. The level 1 threshold (5 GCSEs or equivalent) at 98% was the best ever recorded; as were the Key Stage 3 outcomes.  Attendance rose to 93.6%, the highest the school has ever recorded, but short of the 2011-12 target of 94%. The school needs support from parents to secure this improvement. During 2011-12, in line with local authority policy, the Governing Body took the decision that the school should no longer authorise absence for holidays in term time. During the year the school leadership prepared for the changes flowing from the creation in Autumn 2013 of the new South Central Consortium, which is charged by the Welsh Government with providing the support and challenge to schools hitherto provided by individual local authorities. The key relationship is with the Systems Leader, Robert Cornelius, whose responsibilities include Llanishen High School.

The School Governors and their ends of Parent Representatives term (with attendance of meetings in brackets) Mrs S Munir 11/11/11 (1 of 1) Governors may be contacted via the school. Mrs J Swainson 29/03/16 (2 of 2) LEA Representatives Mr I Griffiths 19/10/12 (5 of 6) Dr T Pickersgill 16/09/10 (2 of 6) Mr D Mills 08/12/15 (4 of 4) Mrs U Gryg (resigned Oct 2012) 16/07/13 (3 of 5) Mr M Williams 19/10/12 (5 of 6) Prof M Pendlebury 19/11/13 (6 of 6) Mrs R Crowder 08/12/15 (4 of 4) Mrs E Taylor 17/12/11 (5 of 6) Mrs A Rees (resigned Oct 2012 ) 07/04/15 (6 of 6) Mr J Caddick 19/11/13 (5 of 6) Co-opted Governors Staff Representatives Prof J Andrews Chair 10/05/13 (6 of 6) Mrs H Wall 11/11/11 (1 of 1) Mrs T Griffiths 24/01/12 (5 of 6) Mr R Lloyd 31/07/13 (5 of 6) Mrs S Morgan (resigned Oct 2012) 24/01/13 (5 of 6) Mrs M Phillips 17/06/14 (6 of 6) Mr M Bennett 15/11/11 (5 of 5) Alison Bagshaw 01/12/15 (2 of 4) Mr M Palmer Vice Chair 11/11/15 (4 of 6) Headteacher Representative Student Representatives Mr R Smyth N/A (6 of 6) Holly Anderson Joshua Woods

Staff Changes Buildings and School Site

A Governor sits on each appointment panels. We are committed to improving the learning We thank all those who have left the school for environment for our pupils. The Estates Manager their contributions and welcome all the staff who are new to us. The main changes in September regularly attends the meetings of the Finance and 2012 were Resources Committee and contributes to our decision making. . Staff new to the school Mrs J Pearce, Assistant Headteacher (formerly an Recent years have seen the completion of a number Assistant Headteacher at Llanedeyrn High School) of projects. In the summer of 2011-12 the “new” Mrs H Richards, Teacher of Geography (returning block corridor, which houses Geography and RE, member of staff and Assistant Subject Leader) was redecorated and as previous indicated, a new Miss E Collins-Jones - Teacher of Art Mr B Thomas – Teacher of Science picnic area was established outside the main dining Mr G Pearcy – Teacher of RE hall. Mr L Ireland – Teacher of Mathematics Mr J Richards – Teacher of Mathematics After a long period of planning, significant capital (maternity cover for Mrs C Clemas) projects, led by the local authority, have now started Miss E Sutton – Teacher of Mathematics on the school site. These are being carefully (sabbatical cover for Miss J Morris) monitored by governors. Our aim is to improve the Mr C Phillips – Teacher of History (acting replacement for Dr A Littler) environment for pupils and staff, whilst managing Mr L Ashill – Learning Support Assistant the inevitable disruption as effectively and safely as Mr M Burton, Caretaker possible. Currently under construction are three Mr R McConkey, Caretaker major projects due for completion in 2012-13. In the order they are due to be finished these are an New responsibilities within the school extended and refurbished Learning Resource Centre Mrs S Parry, Deputy Headteacher (library), a rebuilt Sports Hall and a new block for Mr I Beck, Acting Subject Leader for History Mrs E Smith, Assistant Curriculum Leader for all technology subjects. Further major internal Mathematics improvements are planned for 2013-14. These will Miss J Spence, Acting Key Stage Leader for include enhance facilities for, music, drama, Mathematics information technology, pupil behavioural Mr L Ireland, Leader for Numeracy management and pupil dining and social space. Miss A Hornblow, Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Leader We are grateful to the Estates Manager and his team for successfully leading all the school based Those leaving the school projects and contributing to and very closely Mr H Rogers – Deputy Head Teacher Dr Littler – Curriculum Leader of History monitoring those led by the local authority. Mr J Thomas – Teacher of Geography and Year Team Leader All pupil and staff toilets have either been Mrs J Thomas – Teacher of Mathematics redecorated or completely refurbished within the Mrs B Ritchie – Teacher of Geography last two years. They have running water, soap and Mrs G Eardley – Teacher of Art toilet roll. They are cleaned every evening and Mrs J West – Cover Manager checked during the day. Miss H Armeen – Science Technician Mrs J Baker – Teaching Assistant Mr S Davies – Caretaker Mr L Hudson – Caretaker

PTA Finance We would like to encourage parents to support Summary Expenditure 2011-12 (2010-11 the PTA by attending their meetings and figures in brackets) functions. As well as providing opportunity for Staffing costs £5,739,828 (£5,660,531) parents to meet they give valuable financial Premises related £608,405 (£718,534) support to the school – most recently contributing Supplies and Services £467,902 (£484,533) towards the cost of a new picnic area for pupils. Transport £2421 (£240) Central Services £70,870 (£66,267) Income £348,989 (£319,705)

This is in the context of an overall budget of £6,643,282 with an end of year outturn of £102,844. Extra-Curricular Activities This year has been another outstanding year for diverse extra-curricular activities that cater for all interests, ages and abilities. We congratulate all of those involved in the successes recorded below.

During 2012 one of our 6th Form students achieved Gold in the Women’s Junior Time-Trial Championship in Holland. Also, in the summer of 2012 she took 2 silver medals and a bronze at the 2012 UCI Junior World Track Championships in New Zealand.

Early July saw a performance of Grease, an excellent production that allowed both students and staff a platform to showcase their considerable talents. Creative arts at Llanishen were also celebrated in July by exhibitions at the Thornhill Community Centre and the North Medical Health Centre. The musical skills of our students were on display during the Christmas Service at Highfields Church and the Eisteddfod Evening held in partnership with our cluster primary schools.

In May, a local author Cathy Farr visited the school with her Irish Wolfhound Finn, who is the inspiration for her books. She spent time with Year 8 pupils discussing her books and taking questions from them. A group of Year 8, 9 and 10 pupils went to to take part in the Hay Scribblers tour which was arranged by Hay Festival, where they listened to two authors talk about their writing and each of them presented pupils with an interesting task to complete. A group of our Year 7 pupils took part in the 2 day Carnegie Shadowing Event which took place in The Gate Centre in Roath. It involved reviewing books, a drama workshop and an afternoon performance to fellow pupils.

A number of pupils took part in a South Wales Megafinal Chess Tournament which was held in Rougemont School, Newport, with one pupil winning his age group.

96% of Year 7 pupils were successful in their completion and accreditation of Essential Skills Wales Communications level (1).

The Young Evaluators group which consists of Year 8 I.T. students volunteered to help develop and further I.C.T. These young evaluators from Year 8 were trained by the University of the First Age and then conducted an audit of IT in classrooms and questionnaires to both staff and students. The SLT were then presented with the findings and recommendations from this student group which are helping to improve our use of new technology.

The school was presented with the British Council's International Schools Award for the second time. This prestigious award is for “outstanding development of the International dimension in the curriculum.”

The fifth annual Skills Day in September 2012 ran successfully with years 7, 10 and 12 being engaged in a variety of skills based topics that will enable them to successfully cope with the demands of the curriculum. Students and staff set about the activities with great enthusiasm and the photos taken only go to prove how enjoyable the day was.

Pupils from Year 10, 11 and 12 performed a dance routine at the Sherman Theatre Dance Festival.

Sporting pursuits again proved to be very varied, accessible and successful. The 5x60 Officer ensures that pupils participate in sports that do not form part of the formal structure with activities taking place in school and in the wider community outside school hours. Over 800 students participated in the 5x60 programme and developed their skills in such activities as zumba, basketball, street dance and kayaking. The P.E. department continued to play a very important role in encouraging and developing active participation in physical activities for all abilities and ages. Notable performances included rugby teams participating in the Rosslyn Park 7s tournament, Year 11 boy’s rugby winning the Cardiff Schools Championship, Year 10 boy’s rugby winning the rugby league and Year 8 boys being runners up in the Cardiff Schools 7s tournament. Year 7 and Year 8 boy’s football were runners up in their respective competitions. Year 11 netball team qualified for the County finals. Year 8, 9 and U18 hockey teams were all runners up in the County tournaments. The Year 8 basketball team were unbeaten all season. Several students successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh Silver award.

Pupils from the Hearing Impaired Resource Base won the U16’s National Schools Disability Football Festival for the third year running. One of the players in the team won overall player of the year at the Welsh Community Football Awards. A number of students also gained representative honours for the county, region and national teams.

A Careers Wales Quality Mark was awarded to the school for work at KS3 in PSE Careers and for KS5 in Welsh Baccalaureate.

Students continued to lead the county in aspects of wellbeing. The School Nutrition Action Committee for Kids (S.N.A.C.K) group entered and won again in the main meal categories of the Live 'n Cooking Competition.

The Eco-council continues to tirelessly promote environmental awareness in and around the school community. Events this year have included litter picks in the local community, campaigning to get more bins placed on the routes to school, recycling consumables used in school, campaigning to reduce paper use and energy use, entering the “RHS Wheelbarrow Competition” and participating in the “Climate Week Challenge”. This positive message really does make a difference to our environment. The school acquired a 2nd Green Flag for excellent eco awareness.

Work inside the classroom was enhanced by all of these extra curricular activities and we are extremely grateful to students, staff and parents for the enormous commitment they make to the many activities which enrich the life of the school.

School Term Dates and INSET Days

Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term

Term Begins Monday 03/09/2012 Monday 07/01/2013 Monday 08/04/2013 Half Term Begins Monday 29/10/2012 Monday 11/02/2013 Monday 27/05/2013 Half Term Ends Friday 02/11/2012 Friday 15/02/2013 Friday 31/05/2013

Term Ends Friday 21/12/2012 Friday 22/03/2013 Monday 22/07/2013

INSET Days Monday 03/09/2012 Tuesday 04/09/2012 Monday 07/01/2013

Friday 15/03/2013 Monday 22/07/2013